The Michigan football team has been training for three weeks. During that time, things are getting clearer, and some players are taking steps forward. There are some concerns that may linger right up until fall camp concludes. Kyle Whittingham’s squad finished its final scrimmage, and here is where things stand.
Bryce Underwood has become a leader on the team. Yes, Underwood was named one of the team’s four captains along with S-Rod Moore, DT- Trey Pierce and RB- Jordan Marshall. Underwood is clearly QB1 and has developed really good chemistry with WR- Andrew Marsh.
The wide receivers, as a whole, have looked much better than at any point last season. JJ Buchanan and Marsh should be the starters barring injury. Channing Goodwin appears to have locked down the starting slot receiver. Michigan has better depth this season with Travis Johnson and Salesi Moa expected to see plenty of game action. True freshman TE Mason Bonner has come on strong and shown consistent high-end receiving traits. Bonner does need to clean up his blocking.
The offensive lis starting to take shape. Whittingham insists he will play the best five regardless of position. The biggest battle is at right guard where Nate Efobi and Brady Norton continue to make it hard on coaches to choose a starter. But going by Whittingham’s philosophy of playing the best five, it is possible both Efobi and Norton are on the field at the same time.
The edge rushers and defensive line are really standing out. Cam Brandt and Nate Marshall have been standouts and have had a really strong camp. Two freshmen are pushing for rotational depth; Carter Meadows and Tariq Boney have picked up defensive coordinator Jay Hill’s scheme quickly.
The secondary is a clear strength of the defensive unit, and the group as a whole looks elite.
There is still enough time left for players to carve out their depth rotation and show they are ready to contribute to the team.
